JAMBUSTER

HIBS' Michael Stewart knows the Hearts players better than most and insisted they have they inner strength to survive the Tynecastle turmoil.

But that won't stop him trying to nick their Champions League spot before all the dust has settled on this incredible season.

Stewart was a Jambo last season and knows what players such as Steven Pressley, Andy Webster and Paul Hartley are made of.

The Easter Road man, along with the rest of Scottish football, has looked on in astonishment at the way Vladimir Romanov has gone about his business just a few miles across the capital. You have to think the disruption at Hearts can only work in Hibs favour.

On Wednesday night they crept above Rangers to within seven points of Graham Rix's men in second place in the SPL.

While Stewart would love nothing more than to take the spot from his old pals he is adamant that no matter what is happening in Gorgie it won't be easy.

He said: "There have been things going on all season at Tynecastle and the players have had to handle that.

"There are a lot of older heads in that dressing room, a lot of experience and I don't see there being any problems with them handling anything else that happens.

"But whether they drop points or not, it is vitally important we don't. If they do we must make sure we gain on them.

"When I was at Hearts it was a very different club. It was transitional in that Romanov was taking over but his era hadn't really begun. There wasn't the same turmoil.

"I know what the players are like at Hearts. They've shown already they can handle things."

Stewart would love to overhaul his Edinburgh rivals and qualify for the Champions League but he is refusing to make any predictions.

He said: "We can't get too far ahead of ourselves. We must take small steps to get where we eventually want to be. It's amazing how far you can go if you break it down bit by bit.

"I've played in the Champions League before with Manchester United. It's a fantastic tournament, the best there is. I was on the bench for a load of games and played in a few as well. There is nothing like it.

"For a club like Hibs, it is such an achievement to get into Europe whether it's the Champions League or the UEFA Cup.

"The atmosphere in the European games this year was really special and showed what it would mean to our supporters. It's something as a squad that we are looking forward to doing again."

Stewart was delighted with his performance in the 7-0 thrashing of Livingston. In fact he has been happy with his form over recent weeks.

He was given a year-long deal at Easter Road and his form suggests he'll be around longer.

He added: "We were comfortable from the start against Livi. Once we scored we went from strength to strength. It was great to follow on from Ibrox and we want to carry it on to Falkirk on Saturday. "As for myself, I'm my own worst critic but I can't be too critical because since I've come back from injury a month ago I feel I've played well.

"I have had a niggly ankle injury but that's the same for most players. I set myself high standards and feel if I want to get to where I should be as footballer then I need to do a lot more.

"I honestly haven't thought about my contract but the manager and I will sit down at some stage for a talk."

Taken from the Daily Record